The golf car industry has long been rooted in tradition – an analog space defined by handshake deals, word-of-mouth referrals, and limited online presence. But as consumer expectations shifted and digital channels became vital to success, a glaring gap emerged: there was no centralized, trusted platform where shoppers could research, compare, and connect with golf car dealers online.
Enter GolfCartResource.com, the first dedicated golf car marketplace of its kind, now averages 10,000 live listings and a reputation as the digital backbone of an industry in transition.
From Frustration to Foundation
Founded in 2017 by Chad Hively and Caleb Amundson, GolfCartResource.com was born from firsthand frustrations experienced on the frontlines of the golf car industry. Chad Hively had been managing marketing for a boutique custom golf car dealership in California, while Caleb Amundson had held multiple roles – from service to sales management – within a high-volume golf car dealership. Both had witnessed a consistent trend: customers were coming in unprepared, uninformed, and unable to do even the most basic product research online.
That initial frustration led to a lightbulb moment – what if there was an online hub or resource (pun intended) for golf cars – complete with reviews, articles, trade-in tools, and marketplace listings?
The idea quickly evolved beyond content. As the founders started working with dealers, they discovered another bottleneck: dealers had no efficient digital tools to publish inventory online. So the team hit the road—literally—visiting dealers across the Midwest and Florida, listening closely to their pain points, and refining the solution.That groundwork laid the foundation for what GolfCartResource.com is today: a platform with dual missions—to empower consumers with education and to equip dealers with technology.
A Platform with Purpose: Helping Both Sides of the Sale
GolfCartResource.com serves two distinct audiences – consumers and dealers – but the goal is the same: create a smarter, more connected golf car industry.
“We have been with Golf Cart Resource since day one. GCR’s ability to stay in front of market trends is beyond impressive. They are highly receptive to feedback, always ready to adjust to our growing needs and have played a pivotal role in our success.”
— Chris Botero, Owner of Botero Carts
For Consumers:
The site offers robust tools to demystify the buying process:
- Buyer’s guides and articles to help compare brands and understand ownership.
- Reviews submitted by real customers.
- A trade-in estimator to gauge vehicle value.
- A nationwide inventory database tied to local dealers.
For Dealers:
GCR delivers a powerful set of modular tools:
- Direct inventory syndication to the marketplace.
- A standalone inventory management system (IMS) designed specifically for golf cars, not adapted from auto or powersports platforms.
- All-in-one websites with integrated IMS and mobile photo upload capabilities.
- Deep expertise in SEO, analytics, and ROI-driven digital marketing.
And all of this is offered via minimal contracts. Dealers can opt in on a month-to-month basis for most services, a philosophy rooted in accountability and confidence.
“The level of insight and hands-on support we get from GolfCartResource.com is second to none. They know this business like few others and deliver results where it counts.”
— Terry Hundley, Owner of Grapevine Golf Cars, Excessive Carts & DFW Golf Cart Warehouse
Technology That Solves Real Problems
GCR’s technology strategy is simple: build tools that reduce friction, save time, and create measurable value.
Rather than chase every shiny object, GCR focuses on real-world dealer needs. Their platform has seen multiple iterations, including a major overhaul in the past year to improve image management, mobile workflows, and editing flexibility. They’ve even integrated AI-driven tools to automate listing descriptions and headlines.
“The team at Golf Cart Resource is amazing! They are most helpful, polite and professional… If you need a website or online presence and don’t quite understand how it all works, they do a great job educating you and are very trustworthy.”
— Dean E. Sylvester, Owner of I-39 Powersports & Golf Carts
And perhaps most importantly, GolfCartResource.com is built on real, responsive human support. Dealers aren’t left navigating automated help desks or generic ticketing systems. Most support inquiries receive a reply – and a majority of the time, a solution – within 24 to 48 hours, often faster. The GCR team takes pride in building long-term relationships, offering clarity, collaboration, and peace of mind. It’s a level of hands-on service that’s often missing in the industry – a key reason many dealers make the switch from less responsive competitors.
“Real humans. Real support. Most needs are met in 24-48 hours.”
— Marc Raber, Early Investor in GolfCartResource.com
Meanwhile, the team stays deeply plugged into SEO trends, Google algorithm changes, and evolving digital channels like Facebook Marketplace—always testing before deploying anything at scale.
“Dealers shouldn’t have to be tech experts,” says co-founder Chad Hively. “Our job is to handle the digital side so they can focus on sales, operations, and growth.”
A Trusted Partner to the Industry
With a network of over 200 dealerships nationwide, GolfCartResource.com supports businesses of all sizes—from independent startups to multi-location operations. Beyond just offering tools, the team emphasizes collaboration and long-term relationships. That spirit of partnership also extends to other leaders in the industry. Whether working alongside service contract providers like American Cart Care, supporting inventory and service workflows through golf-car-specific DMS platforms, or collaborating on marketing initiatives with companies like Rollick, GCR remains focused on creating a more connected, efficient, and digitally mature ecosystem for everyone involved.
Modernizing the Golf Car Industry
The golf car industry has seen a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Once dominated by refurbished vehicles and informal sales processes, the market is now embracing new OEM models, more structured retail operations, and an influx of other business professionals from other industries.
GolfCartResource.com hasn’t just kept pace – they’ve helped drive that change. Their platform has scaled from just a few thousand listings to averaging 10,000 active units, reflecting not just quantity but growing quality across the board.
And it’s not just about retail. Commercial sales and rentals are growing fast, from resorts to municipalities, and the need for digital presence spans every segment.
The Road Ahead: Connecting the Dots
Looking ahead, GCR plans to expand its role beyond dealers by providing data-driven insights to OEMs, helping them better understand how consumers shop, what they care about, and where their attention is going.
The team also plans to continue fine-tuning their offerings to support both large-scale dealer networks and solo entrepreneurs entering the space.
Final Word: A Platform with Purpose
“We believe in this space. We believe it will grow. And we believe we have a responsibility to help guide that growth—not just for dealers, but for consumers and manufacturers too.”
— Caleb Amundson, Co-Founder of GolfCartResource.com
GolfCartResource.com isn’t just a tool. It’s a mission. One rooted in trust, fueled by data, and driven by the desire to help this unique and exciting industry reach its full potential. For more information, visit Dealers.GolfCartResource.com or email: caleb@golfcartresource.com.
